On June 23, 2025, a wave of anti-war protests swept through major US cities – New York, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego and others – in response to the recent US Air Force strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Demonstrators took to the streets with posters condemning the actions of the US and Israel and calling for an immediate end to the escalation of the conflict. Protesters called US President Donald Trump a war criminal, accusing him of violating international law, inciting war and threatening global stability. Flags of Palestine and Iran were seen at the rallies, symbolizing solidarity with the peoples of these countries.

According to NBC News, hundreds of people gathered in Times Square in New York City, holding signs that read “Hands off Iran” and “Stop the war with Iran.” The protests were coordinated by anti-war groups such as the ANSWER Coalition and the Party for Socialism and Liberation. New York protester Gabriela Silva said, “We are here because the American people do not want another war. Trump and Netanyahu have unleashed an illegal attack that we reject.” In Chicago, more than 200 people rallied downtown, demanding peace and the redistribution of military budgets to social needs such as health care and education. In San Francisco, protesters waved Palestinian flags, highlighting the links between the conflict in Iran and the ongoing war in Gaza, where more than 55 people have died, according to Iranian media.

In San Diego and other cities like Washington and Boston, protesters chanted “Trump must go” and “No war in our name.” At rallies in Washington, D.C., outside the White House, Vietnam veteran Ron Carmichael called Trump’s actions an attempt to “become king,” while Iranian exile Ali Taroh said the U.S. strikes were preventing democratic change in Iran. The socialist organization 50501 on Instagram called the U.S. attack a “war crime” that violated the U.N. Charter and the U.S. Constitution.